This is a small town—though in reality, it's merely a larger village. Its name is Qingniu Town. Only the local villagers who live in the mountain valleys and have limited exposure call it "Qingniu City" or "Qingniu City" incessantly. That's what Zhang Er, the door-keeper who has served here for over a decade, has always thought. Qingniu Town is indeed modest: its main street runs east to west along Qingniu Street, and there's only one inn—the Qingniu Inn—situated at the western end of the town's elongated layout. Thus, travelers who don't wish to stay outdoors can only choose to stay here. A round-faced, slightly bearded, stout man and a dark-skinned boy of about twelve stepped down from the carriage. The man took the child by the hand and walked with a confident, unhurried gait straight into the inn. One of the regular guests recognized the stout man and knew him to be the inn's manager, "Han the Stout." As for the boy, however, no one could identify him. "Old Han, this dark youngster looks a great deal like you—could it be that you've been secretly carrying your wife's child?" someone suddenly teased. The remark caused a burst of laughter from the others nearby. "Hmph! This is my own nephew, brought by my family—of course he resembles me a bit," the stout man replied, not at all offended, and even with a touch of pride. The two were indeed Han Li and his third uncle, known among the townspeople as "Han the Stout." After greeting a few familiar guests, Han the Stout led Han Li to the back of the inn, where they arrived at a quiet, secluded courtyard. "Xiao Li, rest well here and recover your energy. When the head steward from the inner gate comes, I'll call you. I need to step out for a moment to greet a few old friends." The fat Han pointed to a pavilion in the courtyard and spoke kindly to him. After saying this, he turned and hurried out. As he reached the door, he seemed still a bit uneasy and added one more instruction. "Don't wander around—there are so many people in the town. Don't lose your way, and try not to leave the courtyard." "Yes!" Seeing Han Li nod seriously and give his promise, the Han finally felt at ease and stepped out. Upon seeing his uncle leave the room, Han Li felt quite tired and immediately collapsed onto the bed, falling asleep soundly—showing no trace of a child's shyness. In the evening, a young servant brought dinner, which, though not rich or elaborate, was quite delicious. After eating, another servant came in, took away the empty bowls, and then the uncle entered calmly, without any hurry. "How's the food treating you? Have you been thinking of home a bit?" "Uh, yes, I've been thinking of home a little," Han Li replied politely. Senior Bing seemed satisfied with Han Li's answer and then began chatting with him about everyday matters, sharing some amusing anecdotes from his own experiences. Gradually, Han Li felt more at ease and started laughing and engaging in conversation with him. Like this, two days passed. On the third day, after Han Li finished dinner and was waiting for Senior Bing to tell him stories from the world of the martial arts, another carriage arrived at the inn's gate. This carriage was polished black throughout, gleaming with a deep luster. The horse pulling it was no ordinary one—a rare, fine yellow-and-white stallion. What caught the eye most was a small triangular black banner, inscribed with the character "Xuan" and featuring silver letters with red edges, naturally exuding an air of quiet mystery. Upon seeing this small banner, any seasoned traveler from within this hundred-mile radius would instantly know that one of the two dominant powers of the region—the "Seven Celestial Sect"—has a senior figure visiting the area. Also known as the "Seven Absolute Sect," it was founded two centuries ago by the renowned "Master of Seven Absolutes," who once ruled the Jingzhou region for several decades and even extended its influence into neighboring provinces. Its fame spanned throughout the entire Yue Kingdom. However, after the passing of the Master of Seven Absolutes, the sect's influence steadily declined, eventually being pushed out of the capital city of Jingzhou by allied sects. A century ago, the sect was forced to relocate to the most remote part of Jingzhou—Xianxia Mountain—where it has since taken root, evolving into a modest regional force of third-tier status. As the saying goes, "Even a lean camel is larger than a horse." Though no longer a major power, the Seven Celestial Sect still possesses considerable potential due to its once-great stature. Upon arriving at Caixia Mountain, he swiftly brought under control not only the Qingniu Town but also a dozen other smaller towns, amassing nearly four thousand disciples—making him one of the two dominant powers in the region. The only other force capable of challenging the Qiuxuan Sect is the Yelang Clan. Originally a band of cavalry raiders known for their ruthless plundering and violence within Jingzhou, the Yelang Clan evolved after successive campaigns by the local government. While some of the raiders accepted official appointments and integrated into the administrative system, the remainder became the Yelang Clan, preserving their fierce, bloodthirsty spirit of combat. As a result, the Qiuxuan Sect often finds itself at a disadvantage during conflicts with the Yelang Clan. Though the Yelang Clan controls a larger number of towns, it lacks the administrative sophistication and economic strength of the Qiuxuan Sect’s towns. The Yelang Clan has long coveted several of the more prosperous towns under the Qiuxuan Sect’s jurisdiction and has recently intensified its confrontations with the Sect, causing significant strain on the current Sect Master. This ongoing rivalry has become the primary driver behind the Qiuxuan Sect’s consistent efforts to recruit more disciples in recent years A lean man in his forties leapt down from the carriage. Agile in movement, clearly strong and at ease with his surroundings, he strode confidently toward the room where Han Li was located. Upon seeing this man, Han Li's third uncle immediately approached with due respect and bowed formally. "Master Wang, how is it that you've personally come with your team?" "Hmph!" Master Wang emitted a sharp sigh, his expression marked by pride. "The roads have been turbulent lately—defenses must be strengthened. The senior monks have ordered me to personally oversee the delegation. Let's cut to the chase—this young boy is the one you wish to recommend?" "Yes, yes. He is my own nephew from my family. I hope Master Wang will kindly look after him on the journey." Noticing the man's growing impatience, the plump Han quickly produced a heavy sack from his person and discreetly handed it over. Master Wang lifted the sack, his expression gradually softening. "Han the Plump, you certainly know how to make a good impression!" My nephew will look after you on the way. It's getting late—let's get moving.